EDP Renewables Announces 300 MW Solar Expansion in Alentejo
In a significant move that reinforces Portugal’s commitment to renewable energy, EDP Renewables (EDPR) has announced a major 300-megawatt (MW) solar expansion in the sun-drenched region of Alentejo. This development not only boosts EDPR’s domestic portfolio but also aligns perfectly with national and European goals for a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
Diving into the Alentejo solar expansion Project Details
On March 15, 2026, EDPR, a global leader in the renewable energy sector and a subsidiary of the EDP Group, unveiled its plans to develop three new utility-scale solar PV projects. These projects, located in the Alentejo municipalities of Ourique, Odemira, and Aljustrel, will collectively add 300 MW of clean energy capacity to Portugal’s grid.
The investment for this ambitious undertaking is estimated to be between €250 and €300 million. Construction is scheduled to commence in the third quarter of 2026, with the projects expected to be fully operational by 2028. To maximize energy generation, each plant will be equipped with state-of-the-art bifacial solar panels and single-axis trackers, a combination designed for optimal efficiency in capturing solar irradiation.
This expansion follows EDPR’s successful bids in Portugal’s 2025 renewable energy auctions and is set to increase the company’s total solar capacity in Portugal to over 1.5 gigawatts (GW).
A Strategic Move for Portugal’s Energy Goals
The choice of Alentejo is no coincidence. The region is one of Europe’s sunniest, boasting over 3,000 hours of sunshine per year and offering vast, flat terrain ideal for large-scale solar farms. This strategic location allows EDPR to maximize its return on investment while making a substantial contribution to Portugal’s energy targets.
The project is a key component in helping Portugal achieve the ambitious goals laid out in its National Energy and Climate Plan, which targets 20 GW of installed solar capacity by 2030. Furthermore, the initiative is supported by funding from the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility, underscoring the project’s importance on a continental scale. For EDPR, which already operates a global portfolio of 16 GW as of late 2025, this expansion solidifies its leadership position within the Iberian market.
The Broader Impact: Energy Security and Economic Growth
Beyond the impressive generation capacity, this 300 MW expansion carries significant benefits for Portugal. By increasing domestic clean energy production, the project will enhance the stability of the national grid and reduce the country’s reliance on energy imports, which reached as high as 20% during the winter of 2025.
The economic impact is also noteworthy. The construction phase is expected to create over 500 jobs, providing a welcome boost to the local economy in the Alentejo region. Environmentally, the project is another step forward in EDPR’s corporate mission toward net-zero emissions, ensuring that the vast majority of its new capacity is emissions-free.
As Portugal and Europe continue their transition away from fossil fuels, projects like this 300 MW solar expansion are not just beneficial—they are essential. For the latest information on this project’s development, it is best to consult the official channels of EDP Renewables, as timelines can be subject to change based on permitting and supply chain dynamics.
